Pessary



March 26V, 1935.

R. RIDDLESBARGER PESSARY Filed Jan. 1e, 1932 ZY I (655.

Patented Mar. 26, .1935

yUNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE PESSARY Rufus Riddlesbargenhicago, Ill. Application January 16, 1932, Serial No. 587,102

4 Claims.

This invention relates to an improved form of' 5 properly in place by anyone not especially skilled in that particular task. Even a physician who lacked careful training in and knowledge of the problem could not successfully apply many of the prior devices. Thediiculties directly due to lack of skill were augmented by other difficulties due to differences in conformation of Vthe vaginal A tracts and cervices of the actual users. The ancient ned for reliable and convenient pessaries together with the meagre adoption of them up to the present time, constitute mute testimony. of thev impracticability of the devices hitherto-available. 'Ihis invention aims to provide an improved pessary which any-physician, nurse, or other person can apply correctly with but a slight amount of instruction in its use,. and which is, moreover, suitable for use without special adjustment to fit the varied shapes, sizes and conformations of vaginal tracts and cervices that may be encoun.- tered.

Various objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a perusal of the spcification and drawing.

In the drawing:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation showing the pessary made in accordance with this invention held folded ready for insertion;

Fig. 2 shows the same pessary fully placed in the vaginal chamber; and

Fig. 3 is a full size vertical cross-section through the pessary.

The pessary comprises a web 1, preferably of rubber, which is thickened near its periphery to contain embedded and wholly sealed therein a spiral spring 2. To the inner horizontal margin 3 of the web is connected continuously and formed integrally therewith a cup-shaped inverted dome or pouch 4, preferably of good quality rubber, and having thin Walls as shown.

The dome is preferably of such a. shape and size, as may be determined from actual measurements, that it will snugly or almost snugly fit upon the cervix as the latter protrudes into the vaginal chamber. Fig.` 3 of the present drawing i s an exact size disclosure of the pessary'in its preferred embodiment.

When using the device, it is rst folded as `shown in Fig. 1, so that diametrically opposite peripheral margins of the web are brought approximately together. The forenger is inserted .into the pessary while the web is held in the fold- (Cl. 12S-127) ed position by the thumb and middle finger. The device may then be inserted into the vaginal tract, being pushed by the forenger. The dotted lines indicate the usual position and configuration of the device just prior to its iinal placement. It 5 may be noted that the leading edge of the web moves close to the vaginal floor, hence it naturally passes. under the end of the cervix. During entrance of the pessary the side walls of the vagina tend to hold the -web folded upwardly as shown l0 even after the release of the thumb and middle nger. As the pessary reaches the inner end of the vagina the larger space there permits it to return toward its normal conguration, under the action of its spring and web. The top surface of l15 the web during such return being in contact with the ceiling of the vaginal chamber, a tendency for a partial vacuum to form within the .dome 4 is observed. The effect of this tendency is increased by the fact that the cervix already protruding into the dome practically lls it and the air space subjected to the partial vacuum is small in volume. The periphery ofthe web imbeds itself into the vaginal walls and cooperates with the suction effect above described to hold the device securely in place.

Extensive experience with the device gives complete assurance that it can be properly and easily placed by anyone with the briefest of instruction.. That it has been properly placed may be determined by feeling for the cervix by touching the dome with the foreflnger.

To withdraw the device, preferably one ,firstinserts the tip of the nger between the vaginal ceiling and the web to break the vacuum, after which the pessary may then be removed readily.

V'I'he device may be employed for the 'various purposes o! a pessary or tampon. It is especially useful as an aid to the proper positioning of antiseptic and prophylactic substances in the form of 40 jellies, which may be previously applied to the inner and outer surfaces of the pessary prior to placement.

Having shown and described my invention, I claim:

1. A pessary comprising a generally fiat thin resilient web of annular shape having a thickened peripheral marginal portion and a resilient reinforcing member embedded therein, there being substantial width between the outer and inner margins of the web, and a closed bottomed thinflexible dome shaped pocket depending by its top substantially at right angles from the inner margin of said web.

2. A pessary comprising a resilient web having an outer margin forming a closed continuous curve, and an inner margin, the web between said margins being of substantial width for closely hugging the vaginal ceiling surrounding the cervix, with a closed bottomed cap shaped to enclose the cervix affixed and sealed along its open end to said inner margin with its side Walls depending at a substantial angle thereto, said outer margin being resiliently constructed to maintain a distended shape tting into the farther recesses of the inner vaginal cavity.

3. A pessary comprising a resilient Web having an outer margin forming a closed continuous curve, and an inner margin, the web between said margins being of substantial width for closely hugging the vaginal ceiling surrounding the cervix, with a closed bottomed cap shaped to enclose the cervix aixed and sealed along its open end to said inner margin with its walls depending at a substantial angle thereto, said web being shaped and resiliently constructed to maintain its outer margin in a distended position tting into the farther recesses of the inner vaginal cavity.

4. A pessary comprising a resilient web having an outer margin whose perimeter is shaped in a closed continuous curve, said web having an aper.

ture within said margin, and a closed bottomed cap, closing said aperture and ailixed and sealed along its open end to the margin of said aperturel shaped for enclosing a cervix and having its side walls curving at an angle from said web, said web between said outer margin and said aperture having a substantial width providing a substantial area for snugly contacting the vaginal ceiling surrounding the cervix, said web being resiliently constructed for maintaining said outer margin distended when in use into the vaginal walls remote from the cervix.

RUFUS RIDDLESBARGER. 20 

